A smooth way to stay healthy and hydrated

Smoothies may look a little like milkshakes (a sweet drink that can be chock full of added sugar and fat) but they are, in fact, a much healthier alternative depending upon what ingredients you choose to use.

In a nutshell, a smoothie is a cold, blended drink that’s usually fruit based. According to Perfect Smoothie, this chilly treat consists of three main parts: a liquid, usually juice, milk or yogurt; an assortment of fruits and/or vegetables; and ice.1 Obviously the reason they are generally better for you than a milkshake is because the main ingredient in a milkshake is ice cream, which can have up to 250 calories and 22 grams of fat per ½ cup serving.2

While you still need to be mindful of the amount of sugar that’s going into your smoothie (fruits do contain a lot of natural sugar, after all) this frosty blended drink can be a healthy way to stay hydrated and cool during the summer. It’s also a great way to sneak in some vitamins and other health-boosting nutrients like antioxidants. If you want to brush up on your vitamin know-how, check out our article on vitamin fact and fiction.

All you have to do is be careful about the smoothie recipes you choose. If they call for ice cream or added syrup pass them by, and be mindful of the fruit juice you’re using too. Juice labeled “cocktail” often has added high-fructose corn syrup, while 100% juice does not. Remember that you can also use lower fat milk, almond milk or yogurt (just make sure you use plain yogurt with no added sugar!).

Cooking Light features Peanut Butter and Banana, Pineapple Ginger, and Strawberry Guava smoothies, to name but a few.

We often don’t get the proper amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in our diets, and a smoothie is a delicious way to help remedy that situation. It’s obviously not the only way you should be eating your veggies, but it’s certainly a yummy way!

For tips on making the perfect smoothie and other useful information about this frosty drink, visit Perfect Smoothie.